Wrangell Sentinel -

Columbia on brief reschedule following unexpected repair

The ferry servicing Southeast Alaska on the reduced winter schedule fell slightly behind schedule after having mechanical difficulties over the weekend.

While on its way to Ketchikan from Bellingham, Washington, the M/V Columbia encountered a problem with its steering system. Alaska Marine Highway System public information officer Aurah Landau explained the issue had to do with a failing indicator rod. This particular component tracks the movement of the vessel’s port-side rudder for its electronic steering system.

The problem was discovered at around 1 a.m. on January 7. The Columbia con...